Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Hardhat, Heels and Harmony: HOW TO SURVIVE A REMODEL

Hardhat, Heels and Harmony: HOW TO SURVIVE A REMODEL: With spring comes the cleaning bug. The time to purge and to re-look at your surroundings. Whether it is your home or commercial space we f...

HOW TO SURVIVE A REMODEL

With spring comes the cleaning bug. The time to purge and to re-look at your surroundings. Whether it is your home or commercial space we feel the need in April to throw open our windows because we have spring fever.

During the month of April lots of remodels happen. The term remodel can turn nerves to putty and our fear of change coming to the forefront.

So how do we survive a remodel if that is the direction we are going towards?

1-Make a list of your priorities, in order and then a wish list. Such as new carpeting, furniture, faucets, etc.

2-Prepare a budget that has room for a 15%-20% increase. Not that the contractor will add but what you will throw in once the construction starts

3-When planning and budgeting know that labor is a fixed price while material costs and finishes vary

4-Make sure all involved principals are involved and must approve the plan and budget in advance

5-Expect to be inconvenienced-Remember there will be dust and strange people on your premises

6-Make sure you do the design and construction all at once. Meaning putting the design plan together, purchasing items and then construction

7-Have the money in advance

So while you are planning on what to do in April whether to stay or go, purge or keep, have these simple guidelines in mind.

Let us come out for a consultation and see whats right for you. Month of April we are offering 1/1/2 hours for $150.00
Contact us at-818-706-8825
Let this spring move you into a new direction.
Best,
Eileen Gould

Friday, July 12, 2013

Hardhat, Heels and Harmony: GREEN LIVING IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Hardhat, Heels and Harmony: GREEN LIVING IN OTHER COUNTRIES: Recently I returned from a wonderful Baltic Holiday covering  seven different countries including Stockholm, St. Petersburg Russia, Helsinki...

Hardhat, Heels and Harmony: GREEN LIVING IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Hardhat, Heels and Harmony: GREEN LIVING IN OTHER COUNTRIES: Recently I returned from a wonderful Baltic Holiday covering  seven different countries including Stockholm, St. Petersburg Russia, Helsinki...

GREEN LIVING IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Recently I returned from a wonderful Baltic Holiday covering  seven different countries including Stockholm, St. Petersburg Russia, Helsinki Finland, Talin Estonia, Gdansk Poland, Germany, and Copenhagen for 2 days. Amazing old architecture with new modern buildings sprinkled in the mix. I learned more in 2 weeks about those countries than all my time in school.
What I noticed most was the use of Green Materials and the overwhelming amount of buildings going up right now. With a brisk economy and a strong sense of commitment these countries seem to want to be 100 per cent Green very shortly. Every building was using Photo Voltaic as well as LED lighting, motion sensors and minimal clean furnishings.
I loved the way the stores were merchandised with lots of color and unique items.
Although the taxes were high the people looked and seemed happy and healthy.
That takes me to Copenhagen which I adored. Bikes everywhere. From the youngest to the oldest were bike riding. Less cars, less pollution and better health benefits. I was amazed at the way healthy living is promoted and advised by there Health Care System.
Five weeks of paid vacations a year, as well as paid medical when you child is sick and for you as well.
The whole culture is about better living.
I hope I live long enough to see that in the United States.
Please feel free to call me so I can update you on some special designs.
Thank you,
Best,
Eileen Gould
818-706-8825

Monday, June 6, 2011

Hardhat, Heels and Harmony: Design/Build Changes that are happening as we spea...

Hardhat, Heels and Harmony: Design/Build Changes that are happening as we spea...: "I have been in the design/construction business for a long time. Owning my own business and being a licensed general contractor and certifie..."

Design/Build Changes that are happening as we speak.

I have been in the design/construction business for a long time. Owning my own business and being a licensed general contractor and certified Interior Designer for 20 years have taught me many interesting things.
With the new economy, and people being cautious with their spending, I have found that many are penny wise and dollar foolish.
What do I mean by that?
You wouldn't buy a pair of shoes for even $39.99 without trying them on, but I have been in more situations where people hire unlicensed contractor, and or order thousands of dollars of furniture without a floor plan or even seeing if the item will fit through their front door.
Why would you consider a licensed contractor and certified Interior Designer any less important than hiring an eye doctor to see if your vision has changed over the years. The astonishing thing is that people lack the knowledge to hire professionals in this field and end up making costly mistakes as well as hazardous, and ones that are not friendly for your health.
I believe that as we come out of this recession, more people will turn to professionals that they can trust. We know that the two income family isn't going away anytime soon and that our office space needs to look good to attract the right clientele. The next time you think about making environmental chances make sure you hire a professional.